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| Just some of our notes of support |
Please forgive the brevity of our past few posts, as we've been very busy at the hospital. On Monday, Michael's cough worsened to the point where he had trouble catching his breath, and reduced the oxygen saturation in his blood. Upon the direction of a team of doctors from different departments, Michael was admitted to the ICU that evening. Upon further testing, they found that he was bleeding into his lungs, which caused his breathing to be very labored and unproductive. So on Tuesday, they decided to assist his lungs by putting him on a ventilator. Michael is under heavy sedation so that he can be on his ventilator without discomfort. This gives the lungs a chance to improve without excess irritation from coughing, and allows the medicine to be more effective.
We were unsure whether the irritation of his lungs was bacterial or viral, so the doctors started with a spectrum of antibiotics. The doctors also diagnosed disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIC), which can cause small blood clots and bleeding throughout the body. The doctors let us know that the antibiotics were not doing enough, so steroids, a solution we have been avoiding because they inhibit the immune system, would be his only chance to stabilize. Since the start of his steroids and his care in the ICU, his condition has somewhat stabilized, but remains critical. There are several changes that the doctors are viewing as a stabilization: we have reduced the oxygen percentage in the ventilator from 90% to 55%, his lung Xray showed no worsening and perhaps an improvement, his blood pressure has stabilized, they have installed a feeding tube, and the staff has been able to reduce his sedation medicine. We are still working to stabilize his blood sugar, balance the effects of the steroids on his body, heal his lungs, and cure the underlying diseases that caused these recent complications. Over the next few days, we will be fighting to maintain stability in his condition so that he can then start to improve.
Due to the sedation, Michael is unconscious. We talk to him constantly and he holds a prayer cross in his right hand. We tell him about the messages we receive from everyone, and about the numerous and heartfelt prayers that are being raised up for him.
Currently, Brenda and Mark are in Houston. Melissa also flew in on Wednesday. We are also blessed to share that Ella Hackney is in town assisting us, as well.
No posting is complete without a reflection of our gratitude for the love and support we have felt throughout this situation. We have seen gifts of every kind, including gifts of time, concern, wisdom, food, service, and prayer. We thank you for your continued prayers.
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